WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING IN MAURITANIA, WEST AFRICA
Mauritania is located in western Africa and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Western Sahara and Algeria to the north, Mali to the east and south and Senegal to the south.
Mauritania has a dry, hot, and windy climate, and is severely exposed to the effects of desertification. The majority of Mauritania receives very little rainfall throughout the year.
The official language of Mauritania is Literary Arabic, also referred to as Modern Standard Arabic. The fact that Mauritania’s population is almost completely Muslim makes Arabic the most recognized language in the nation. French is also used due to colonial influence. English is being spoken more widely as well.
The Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU) is the official currency of Mauritania. Most places only accept cash and most shops and restaurants prefer local currency. It’s best to take euros or US dollars with you
Mauritania is a safe destination to film in. Mauritania is generally one of the safest countries in Africa.
There are many private taxi companies in Mauritania’s large towns, including the capital, Nouakchott, and Nouadhibou. But the popular mode of transportation is bush taxis, which travel between towns, as city cabs can be expensive. Train travel is only available in northern Mauritania between the cities of Nouadhibou and Zouerat (an 18-hour trip) and passing through Choum. The line is convenient as the service is free, but requires advance booking. Travelers should be aware that outside of the main cities, many roads in the country are unpaved and are only passable with a four-wheel drive. Visitors who arrive during the rainy season should be advised that the conditions can be dangerous and many roads may be untravelable.
There are a number of 4 and 5 star film friendly hotels with daily rates between $80 and $170 per night
There is currently no tax incentives and rebates available to film in Mauritania .
WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN MAURITANIA , WEST AFRICA
Mauritania is best known for the Sahara desert, ancient towns, oasis, and beautiful deserted beach locations, landscape is dry desert. There is also some tropical forest along the Sénégal River in the south of the country. Agricultural film locations include nomadic herding of camels, sheep, and goats. Industrial locations include iron ore, gold, and copper mines, as well as offshore oil and gas facilities. Mauritania is the starting point of the Trans-West African Coastal Highway. Film location of notes are
- Port de Pêche is a fishing port in Nouakchott, home to hundreds of colourful pirogues
- Medieval town ruins in Koumbi Saleh.
- An oasis in Terjit.
- The Eye of the Sahar in the Sahara’s Adrar Plateau.
- The Tenoumer crater and Kiffa crater are spectacular desert meteor impact craters.
- Banc d’Arguin National Park, in the south of the country, is a major breeding site for migratory birds, including flamingos, broad-billed sandpipers, pelicans and terns.
- The Bay of Nouadhibou is one of the world’s largest ship graveyards
- The Iron Ore Train, stretching out at 3km long, is one of the world’s longest trains.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM PERMIT ,VISAS AND WORK PERMITS WHEN FILMING IN MAURITANIA, WEST AFRICA
Visas & Work Permits for filming in Mauritania
Mauritanian visas can be obtained at most Mauritanian Embassies or at the Nouakchott airport on arrival. Note that non-resident films crew who do not have at least six months’ validity remaining on their passport may be denied entry, regardless of the length of their intended stay. Evidence of yellow fever vaccination is required.
Film & Location Permits for filming in Mauritania
Privately owned film location fees are negotiated by local film fixers and application for film permit to film in public spaces are also done by local film fixers/line producers.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM CREWS,EQUIPMENT AND TALENT IN THE MAURITANIA,WEST AFRICA
Mauritania has a very small pool of local crew, all HOD’s should be brought in from neighbouring Africa countries or abroad
Its best to bring in all film equipment from abroad
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.
